What Makes Mount Baldy So Dangerous

<\/div><\/div>”],”filter”:{“nextExceptions”:”img, blockquote, div”,”nextContainsExceptions”:”img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”},”renderIntial”:true,”wordCount”:350}”>

So far in 2023, 15 people have been rescued from the slopes of Mount San Antonio (also called Mount Baldy), two people have died, and actor Julian Sands remains missing. Why is Baldy so dangerous?

If you live in southern California and consider yourself in the least bit outdoorsy, then you probably spend your weekends hiking. From Runyon Canyon in the middle of Hollywood to any of the 264 named peaks in Los Angeles County, trails abound, the usually mild weather suits, and the region’s obsession with fit physiques compels. And, if you’ve ever lived in or traveled to the area, you’re probably familiar with Mount Baldy. Its 10,064-foot peak looms above the Los Angeles skyline, the bare, southern-facing bowl that gives it its nickname clearly visible across the city.

#BREAKING Missing hiker Jin Chung has been found alive. He is responsive and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Chung went missing Sunday after heading to #MtBaldy.@KTLA pic.twitter.com/98GSnFdpK9

— Shelby Nelson (@KTLAShelby) January 25, 2023

In the eight years that I called LA home, I hiked Baldy and surrounding peaks in the San Gabriel mountains numerous times. Most days, Baldy is no different from any other popular hike in SoCal. It’s a little taller than most, sure, and the most popular 11.3-mile loop through about…